updated 11:50 am EST, Fri January 7, 2011

16.1MP and 14.1MP versions, take HD video

Panasonic has announced the expansion of its ultraslim Lumix FP series of digital cameras with the DMC-FP7 and DMC-FP5, which take stills as well as 720p HD video. Like the models introduced last year, the FP7 and FP5 both have a flush mounted, 4x optical zoom lens and a touchscreen LCD for viewfinding and controlling camera settings. Both cameras have 70MB of internal memory. The FP5 is a 14.1-megapixel camera and uses a 4:3 ratio, 3in. LCD. The FP7 is 16.1-megapixels, with a 16:9, 3.5in. LCD.

The touchscreen LCD gives one-touch access to autofocus and zoom functions. The screen will also enable basic on-camera editing functions such as facial retouching and teeth whitening.

Both cameras include a number of ease-of-use functions, such as image stabilization, blur control, and face detection with automatic redeye correction. They can tag images and video for later upload to FaceBook or YouTube.

The FP7 features a mirror finish on the LUMIX FP7 and will be available in blue, black and red. The FP5 will have a matte finish in blue, black, pink and silver.